Mastering GDPR compliance: best practices

A best practice is a standard or set of guidelines that is known to produce good outcomes if followed. Best practices are related to how to carry out a task or compose something. A best practice usually presents the optimal way to work, how to use a product or a set of ideals to reach toward. 

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is legislation that came into force in 2018 and regulates the protection of personal data of EU citizens. In this article we share some best practices that can help you comply with this law. 

Provide transparency 

Make sure you communicate clearly with customers about what you do with their personal data and why you collect it. 

Only collect relevant data 

Only collect the personal data you need for your activities and make sure to store it securely. 

Ensure data security 

Provide appropriate security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, theft or damage. 

Implement privacy by design 

Consider privacy and data protection when designing and developing your products and services. 

Draw up a data protection policy 

Create a documented policy to ensure your organization is GDPR compliant. This policy should describe, among other things, how you handle personal data, how you handle data security incidents and how you handle requests from individuals for access to their personal data. 

Designate a data protection officer 

If necessary, designate a data protection officer (DPO) responsible for overseeing compliance with the GDPR. 

Train staff 

Make sure your staff are aware of the GDPR and understand how to handle personal data securely. 

Create a register of processing activities 

Keep a record of all processing activities you carry out in relation to personal data. 

Be prepared for incidents 

Develop a plan for handling data security incidents, including procedures for reporting data breaches and informing data subjects. 

Evaluate processes regularly 

Regularly review your processes and policies to ensure you are GDPR compliant and to identify and address any deficiencies. 

These best practices are a good starting point for GDPR compliance, but it’s important to make sure you stay abreast of new guidance and recommendations from supervisory authorities. Would you like to know what Brand Compliance can do for you in the field of GDPR certification? Contact one of our specialists, they will be happy to help you.